MyDerm Blog

Rashes come in all shapes and sizes. Even if your rash is not causing any immediate
issues, it could quickly develop into something more serious. Let's take a look at why you should let a dermatologist take a look at that rash.

Diagnosis

There are three main categories of rashes. Infectious rashes include fungal, viral and bacterial infections. Inflammatory rashes enlarge the pocket of
skin for various amounts of time. Finally, rashes linked to your immune system are triggered by antibodies passing through your skin. Without proper
medical experience, it is difficult to identify which type of rash you have. Because all of these rashes have unique treatments, it is necessary to
have a dermatologist's input on the best course of action. Sometimes, a rash can result as a byproduct of many of the above factors, and it's nearly
impossible to diagnose these hybrid rashes on your own.

Escalation

Your rash might look small and relatively harmless, but it can rapidly escalate into a serious condition. Chronic rashes last for weeks and only get worse
as the skin is exposed to bacteria and the fabric of your clothing. If you are able to treat a rash during its development, the time to recovery is
nearly cut in half as opposed to if you let the infection spread. When you visit a dermatologist, he or she can prescribe pharmaceutical treatment
within 24 hours. Time is of the essence for rashes, and putting off a visit to the dermatologist can exponentially increase the severity of the condition.

Documentation

Rash documentation is very important for treatment. Your dermatologist wants to be aware of the full progression of the rash in order to track changes
and make fully-informed decisions. During your appointment, your dermatologist will take pictures and scans of your rash for future use. You will also
likely fill out forms indicating your medical history. If the rash does escalate, all this information can be used to optimize your treatment and road
to recovery. In any case, details about your rash are crucial additions to your medical record.

Overall health

An untreated rash isn't just a nuisance. It can be detrimental to your overall health, including sleep habits, physical activity and mental attentiveness.
The antibodies and symptoms from an isolated rash can spread across your body, and your immune system can quickly break down if left unattended. A
single rash can easily be contained by a dermatologist, so you don't want to be negligent and let this impact your daily lifestyle.

Conclusion

Your rash might be annoying and a little sore on the surface, but there could be much larger underlying issues beneath your skin. It's essential that you
visit a dermatologist who can take a look at that rash and provide you with the optimal treatment.